Rifkin’s Festival: A Journey Through the World of Classical Music
Rifkin’s Festival is an annual classical music festival held in New York City. The festival was founded in 1988 by the conductor and musicologist Joshua Rifkin. Rifkin’s Festival is dedicated to presenting the music of the Baroque period, and its programming features a wide range of works from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The festival has been a critical success since its inception, and it has been praised for its adventurous programming and its commitment to historical accuracy. Rifkin’s Festival has also been a commercial success, and it has consistently sold out its performances.
The festival’s programming is divided into two main strands. The first strand consists of concerts that feature works from the Baroque period. These concerts are typically performed by small ensembles, and they often feature the use of period instruments. The second strand consists of lectures and symposia that explore the music of the Baroque period.
Rifkin’s Festival has been a major force in the revival of interest in Baroque music. The festival has helped to raise the profile of Baroque composers, and it has inspired a new generation of musicians to perform their music.
Joshua Rifkin
Joshua Rifkin is a conductor, musicologist, and harpsichordist. He is the founder and artistic director of Rifkin’s Festival. Rifkin is a leading authority on the music of the Baroque period, and he has published numerous books and articles on the subject.
Rifkin was born in New York City in 1944. He studied music at Harvard University and the Juilliard School. Rifkin began his career as a harpsichordist, and he performed with many of the leading Baroque ensembles of the day.
In the 1970s, Rifkin began to focus on conducting. He made his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1977, and he has since conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras.
Rifkin is a passionate advocate for the music of the Baroque period. He believes that this music is still relevant today, and he is committed to sharing it with as many people as possible.
The Festival
Rifkin’s Festival is held over two weeks in the spring. The festival’s concerts are typically held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Morgan Library & Museum. The festival also features a number of lectures and symposia that are held at various locations throughout New York City.
The festival’s programming is curated by Rifkin himself. He selects a wide range of works from the Baroque period, and he often features works that are rarely performed.
The festival’s concerts are typically performed by small ensembles. These ensembles are made up of some of the world’s leading Baroque musicians. The festival also uses period instruments, which helps to recreate the sound of the Baroque era.
Rifkin’s Festival is a unique and immersive experience. The festival offers a chance to hear some of the greatest music of the Baroque period, and it provides an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating era of musical history.
Conclusion
Rifkin’s Festival is a major event on the classical music calendar. The festival is a celebration of the music of the Baroque period, and it offers a unique opportunity to hear some of the greatest music ever written.
If you are interested in classical music, then Rifkin’s Festival is a must-see. The festival is a chance to experience the music of the Baroque period in its full glory.
